4 Considerations for Finding the Right Memory Care Facility

When your loved ones have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or begin to exhibit signs of memory loss, finding the best care is vital. Unlike the traditional nursing homes, which offered random care with limited resources, memory care facilities offer specialized care tailored to meet the specific needs of an Alzheimer’s patient.

Before committing to a memory care community, you want to be sure your loved one’s health, comfort, and safety are of paramount concern in the facility. Here are some of the important things you need to consider seriously when choosing a specialized care facility.

1.Cost of care
When it comes to looking after loved suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, there are two common options to consider. You can either choose to admit your loved one into an assisted living community that has a special memory care unit. Or, settle for an exclusive Alzheimers and dementia care community, which is more likely to be expensive.

Memory care offers a wide range of specialized services, making care cost relatively high than in traditional nursing homes. The best thing about these communities, however, is that most of them offer 24-hour supervised care for their residents. There are enrichment programs designed to help your senior decently manage their condition. Other levels of care such medical visits, excursions and daily tasks such as food preparation, cleaning and laundry are all meant to provide the best care possible, While these specific services will have a direct impact on care cost, having an insurance plan may significantly minimize the out-of-pocket expenses.

2.Top security
One of the common risks for those who have Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia is wandering and getting lost. Even though the majority of memory care centers features a 24-hour security system, it’s necessary to ask just to be sure of how safe your senior will be within the facility. Most of these centers have amenities such as spa, social and recreational areas to keep residents engaged, relax and feel at peace with themselves. In addition to good security, the facility must monitor residents closely to ensure they strictly follow medication schedules and enrichment programs.

3.Family support
With a memory care facility, you are sure that your loved one is in a better place. Caring for a senior with dementia can be a wearing and frustrating experience. Specialize care facilities have supporting structures that allow family members get involved with their seniors.

4.Community Structure
Another important thing to consider is the memory care facility setting. You want a facility that has a community structure to make your loved one overcome loneliness and feeling isolated. Specialized centers have these structures, and they also have group therapies to help seniors socialize more.

Lastly, visit several assisted living communities and memory care centers and make a comparison based on what you’d want for your loved one. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about their costs, services, programs and get to know their level of care.